LA isn’t like other rental markets, and that means that marketing your LA home has to be a little different, too.
This is a competitive, highly priced rental market that attracts students, professionals in the film industry, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees. There’s a large tenant demographic looking for rental homes, and Los Angeles has a lot of diverse and unique neighborhoods. With state and local rent control laws and screening requirements, choosing the right tenants is absolutely essential.
So how do you leverage your rental property marketing to attract high quality tenants in LA?
We have some ideas. Let’s give them a try.
Showcase Your Property with High-Quality Visuals
Good marketing starts with good visuals, especially in a market like LA where optics are especially powerful.
Professional photos and videos create a striking first impression and significantly impact the success of your marketing.
- Hire a Professional Photographer. In other markets, this is often an option, but in LA, where there’s plenty of accessible talent, invest in professional photos. You’ll need high-quality photos that capture your property’s best features, including natural light, spacious layouts, and unique details.
- Create a Video Tour. Virtual tours allow prospective tenants to explore the property conveniently, attracting more serious inquiries. If you have a tenant contact you for a showing after already seeing a video tour, you can bet this is someone who is seriously interested in renting the home.
When tenants can visualize themselves living in your space, your property becomes their top pick.
Write a Compelling and Clear Listing
Your property listing should highlight the unique features of your rental while emphasizing the benefits of living there. Photos and videos will always be what prospective tenants turn to first. Make sure those data points are supported with concise, information-filled descriptions. Key information to include:
- A catchy headline. Grab attention with something like “Modern 2-Bedroom Apartment with Stunning City Views.”
- Essential details like rent price, square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and pet policies.
- Neighborhood highlights. Is the home close to schools, parks, shopping centers, or public transportation?
- Unique property amenities like updated appliances, off-street parking, or smart home features
Remember, your audience wants to feel like renting your property will improve their lifestyle. Use persuasive language and positive phrasing, focusing on the tenant’s needs.
Leverage Social Media Platforms
Social media isn’t just for food and travel photos or political arguments. It’s also a powerful rental property marketing tool. Make sure you have a strong online presence so you can share your listing widely. Post it on local groups, where you’ll get a lot of attention. Share your listing in community groups or pages where locals search for housing opportunities. You can also utilize sites like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your property with high-quality visuals, including stories, posts, and reels.
Use social media to interact with potential tenants. Quickly respond to comments or messages to establish trust and provide necessary information. Consistency is especially important when we’re talking about social media. Regularly posting and showcasing new or available properties keeps potential tenants engaged.
List on High-Traffic Rental Websites
To reach a larger audience, list your property on popular rental platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or RentCafé. These websites have significant traffic and provide tools to help landlords connect with tenants. If you’re working with a property manager in LA, you can also leverage the traffic that their websites earn. Marketing expertise is a great reason to partner with a professional.
Leverage Tenant Incentives to Stand Out
Marketing has to include incentives, especially because the LA rental market is so competitive. High-quality tenants have options, so you need to make your listing irresistible. A lot of larger apartment buildings in LA will offer move-in specials such as a free month or rent or a dramatically low security deposit. It may be difficult to compete with these things, but you can attract tenants by offering upgraded amenities such as high-speed internet or valet trash. Highlight your smart thermostat, your video doorbell, or the modern energy-efficient appliances that you’ve installed.
These small investments in tenant satisfaction often yield long-term rewards. Tenants are also looking for flexibility. Make sure you’re willing to collect rent online, allow pets, and provide any small conveniences that are requested. Maybe a well-qualified tenant wants a 15-month lease instead of a 12-month lease. Consider it.
Highlight Positive Testimonials & Reviews
Do you have a list of satisfied tenants who have rented from you before? Make sure you’re gathering their glowing reviews. That can help with your marketing quite a bit. It gives prospective tenants something new and reliable to consider, other than the usual listings and social media posts.
Word of mouth goes a long way in rental property marketing. If previous or current tenants have left positive reviews, showcase these in your marketing materials. This builds trust and shows potential tenants that your property and management style prioritize their satisfaction.
Screen Your Tenants Thoroughly
Even the best marketing strategy won’t benefit you if you rush the tenant screening process. Stick to a thorough process that includes these checks:
- Background and credit checks. You don’t want to see any recent evictions or landlord disputes.
- Verifying employment and income. It’s essential that your tenant earns enough to pay rent.
- Contacting previous landlords for references. A solid rental history provides a lot of peace of mind.
This step ensures that your property will be in good hands and reduces the risk of future issues.
Effective rental property marketing can move your leasing process from frustrating to seamless, helping you secure high-quality tenants who can be trusted to align with your expectations. By combining professional presentations, strategic listings, and a highly visible online presence, you position your property as the ideal choice for discerning renters.
We always recommend our services to landlords and real estate investors who are preparing to rent out a home in LA. As experts in the Los Angeles market, we can help you position your property for the right tenants. Let’s take your rental marketing strategy to the next level.
Contact our team of property management professionals at Earnest Homes.
